Additive manufactured cushioned component

ABSTRACT

A seat assembly includes a cushioned component having a lattice matrix. An air bladder assembly is covered by the lattice matrix. The air bladder assembly includes a plurality of air bladders supported on a platform assembly. Each air bladder includes a body portion operable between deflated and inflated conditions. Each air bladder includes a connection stem. A support plate includes a plurality of access apertures disposed therethrough. The air bladder assembly is operably coupled to the support plate. Each air bladder is aligned with at least one access aperture of the plurality of access apertures. A carrier assembly includes a plurality of mounting apertures disposed through an outer surface thereof. The carrier assembly receives the connection stem of each air bladder through at least one mounting aperture of the plurality of mounting apertures. Each air bladder may include a release valve for releasing air therethrough.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a seating assembly, and moreparticularly, to a seat assembly having cushioned components withcushioning materials that include integrated air bladder assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The tunable inflation profile has a flatter profile that is possiblewithout added thickness from bladder plastic. Personalization viainflation level accommodates for differences in body type. Bladders canbe included in all areas of the seat, accommodating for maximumpersonalization. The bladder and bolster assembly are 3D printed in asingle step, rather than multiple steps.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a seatingassembly includes a cushioned component having a lattice matrix. An airbladder assembly is covered by the lattice matrix, and the air bladderassembly includes a plurality of air bladders supported on a platformassembly. Each air bladder of the plurality of air bladders includes abody portion positioned on an outer surface of the platform assembly andare operable between deflated and inflated conditions. Each air bladderof the plurality of air bladders also include a connection stemoutwardly extending from an inner surface of the platform assembly. Asupport plate includes a plurality of access apertures disposedtherethrough. The air bladder assembly is operably coupled to thesupport plate, such that each air bladder of the plurality of airbladders is aligned with at least one access aperture of the pluralityof access apertures. A carrier assembly has a mounting aperture disposedthrough an outer surface thereof. The connection stem is receivedthrough the mounting aperture.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure can includeany one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   the outer surface of the carrier assembly is a contoured        surface;    -   the support plate is a flexibly resilient plate that includes a        complementary configuration relative to the contoured surface of        the carrier assembly;    -   the connection stem of each air bladder is received through the        at least one access aperture of the plurality of access        apertures of the support plate; and    -   each air bladder of the plurality of air bladders includes a        non-porous outer casing surrounding an interior cavity, further        wherein the outer casing and the lattice matrix are integrated        components comprised of a common material to define a monolithic        structure.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a seatingassembly includes a cushioned component having a lattice matrix. An airbladder assembly is covered by the lattice matrix, and the air bladderassembly includes a plurality of air bladders supported on a platformassembly. Each air bladder of the plurality of air bladders includes abody portion positioned on an outer surface of the platform assembly andare operable between deflated and inflated conditions. At least one airbladder of the plurality of air bladders also include a connection stemoutwardly extending from an inner surface of the platform assembly. Eachair bladder of the plurality of air bladders includes a pressure releasevalve. A support plate includes a plurality of access apertures disposedtherethrough. The air bladder assembly is operably coupled to thesupport plate, such that each air bladder of the plurality of airbladders is aligned with at least one access aperture of the pluralityof access apertures. A carrier assembly has a mounting aperture disposedthrough an outer surface thereof. The connection stem is receivedthrough the mounting aperture.

Embodiments of the other aspect of the present disclosure can includeany one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   the outer surface of the carrier assembly is a contoured        surface;    -   the support plate is a flexibly resilient plate that includes a        complementary configuration relative to the contoured surface of        the carrier assembly;    -   air within at least one air bladder of the plurality of air        bladders releases through the pressure release valve upon        reaching a threshold pressure within the at least one air        bladder of the plurality of air bladders; and    -   each air bladder of the plurality of air bladders release air        through the pressure release valve until an internal pressure of        the plurality of air bladders is below a threshold pressure.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assemblyincludes a cushioned component having a lattice matrix. An air bladderassembly is integrated into the lattice matrix. The air bladder assemblyincludes first and second air bladders that are spaced-apart from oneanother and operable between at-rest and pressurized conditions. Thefirst and second air bladders each include a non-porous outer casingsurrounding an interior cavity. The outer casing and the lattice matrixare integrated components comprised of a common material to define amonolithic structure.

Embodiments of this aspect of the present disclosure can include any oneor a combination of the following features:

-   -   the seat assembly also includes a support plate having an access        aperture disposed therethrough, wherein the support plate is        flexibly resilient, and further wherein the first and second air        bladders are operably coupled to the support plate;    -   the seat assembly also includes a carrier assembly having a        mounting aperture disposed through an outer surface thereof,        wherein the outer surface of the carrier assembly is a contoured        surface, and further wherein the support plate includes a        complementary configuration relative to the contoured surface;    -   the seat assembly also includes a platform assembly having an        outer surface, wherein the first and second air bladders each        include a body portion positioned on the outer surface of the        platform assembly;    -   the first air bladder includes a connection stem outwardly        extending from an inner surface of the platform assembly;    -   the seat assembly also includes an inflation module operably        coupled to the connection stem, such that the air bladder        assembly is fluidically coupled to the inflation module by one        or more supply lines;    -   the connection stem is received through the access aperture of        the support plate; and    -   the connection stem is received through the mounting aperture of        the carrier assembly.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assemblyincludes a cushioned component having a lattice matrix. An air bladderassembly is integrated into the lattice matrix. The air bladder assemblyincludes first and second air bladders that are spaced-apart from oneanother and operable between at-rest and pressurized conditions. Thefirst and second air bladders each include a non-porous outer casingsurrounding an interior cavity. The outer casing and the lattice matrixare integrated components comprised of a common material to define amonolithic structure. The first and second air bladders each include avalve.

Embodiments of this aspect of the present disclosure can include any oneor a combination of the following features:

-   -   the seat assembly also includes a support plate having an access        aperture disposed therethrough, wherein the support plate is        flexibly resilient, and further wherein the first and second air        bladders are operably coupled to the support plate;    -   the seat assembly also includes a carrier assembly having a        mounting aperture disposed through an outer surface thereof,        wherein the outer surface of the carrier assembly is a contoured        surface, and further wherein the support plate includes a        complementary configuration relative to the contoured surface;    -   the first air bladder includes a connection stem outwardly        extending from an inner surface of the platform assembly;    -   the valve of at least one of the first and second air bladders        releases air from within the first and second air bladders while        pressure within the first and second air bladders is more than a        threshold pressure;    -   the valve is operable between at least two conditions: an open        condition, wherein air is released from inside the first and        second air bladders, and further wherein the valve is in the        open condition when a pressure level inside the first and second        air bladders exceeds a predetermined pressure level threshold;        and a closed condition, wherein the valve is in the closed        condition when the pressure level inside the first and second        air bladders is less than the predetermined pressure level        threshold; and    -   the first and second air bladders each include a pressure        sensor, wherein the pressure sensor signals the inflation module        to send air to the first and second air bladders.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assemblyincludes a cushioned component having a lattice matrix and an airbladder. The air bladder has a distal portion and a proximal portion.The proximal portion includes a connection stem outwardly extendingtherefrom. The lattice matrix covers an outermost surface of the distalportion. The air bladder is operable between at-rest and pressurizedconditions. A flexibly resilient support plate has access aperturesdisposed therethrough. The air bladder is operably coupled to thesupport plate, such that the connect stem thereof is received throughthe access aperture. A carrier assembly has a mounting aperture disposedthrough an outer surface thereof. The connection stem is receivedthrough the mounting aperture. The outer surface of the carrier assemblyis a contoured surface. The support plates includes a complementaryconfiguration relative to the contoured surface.

Embodiments of this aspect of the present disclosure can include any oneor a combination of the following features:

-   -   the air bladder includes a platform assembly, wherein the distal        portion of the air bladder is positioned on an outer surface of        the platform assembly, and further wherein the proximal portion        is position on an inner surface of the platform assembly;    -   the air bladder includes a non-porous outer casing surrounding        an interior cavity;    -   the outer casing and the lattice matrix are integrated        components comprised of a common material to define a monolithic        structure;    -   the connection stem includes a snap linkage, and further wherein        the snap linkage retains the air bladder, the support plate, and        the carrier assembly in a position along an axial direction of        the connection stem;    -   the support plate is disposed between the air bladder and the        carrier assembly; and    -   the seat assembly includes an inflation module operably coupled        to the connection stem by at least one supply line.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a seatassembly includes a cushioned component having a lattice matrix and anair bladder. The air bladder has a distal portion and a proximalportion. The proximal portion includes a connection stem outwardlyextending therefrom. The air bladder includes an air release valve. Thelattice matrix covers an outermost surface of the distal portion. Theair bladder is operable between at-rest and pressurized conditions. Aflexibly resilient support plate has access apertures disposedtherethrough. The air bladder is operably coupled to the support plate,such that the connect stem thereof is received through the accessaperture. A carrier assembly has a mounting aperture disposed through anouter surface thereof. The connection stem is received through themounting aperture. The outer surface of the carrier assembly is acontoured surface. The support plates includes a complementaryconfiguration relative to the contoured surface.

Embodiments of this aspect of the present disclosure can include any oneor a combination of the following features:

-   -   the air bladder includes a platform assembly, wherein the distal        portion of the air bladder is positioned on an outer surface of        the platform assembly, and further wherein the proximal portion        is position on an inner surface of the platform assembly;    -   the air bladder includes a non-porous outer casing surrounding        an interior cavity;    -   the air release releases air from within the air bladder while a        pressure level within the air bladder exceeds a threshold        pressure level, and further wherein the air release valve is in        a closed condition when the pressure within the air bladder is        less than the threshold pressure level;    -   the seat assembly includes an inflation module operably coupled        to the connection stem by at least one supply line;    -   the support plate is disposed between the air bladder and the        carrier assembly; and    -   the air bladder includes a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure        sensor signals the inflation module to send air to the air        bladder after the air release valve releases air.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosurewill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a seat assembly positioned within avehicle interior;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the seat assembly of FIG. 1 asremoved from the vehicle interior;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a cushioned component;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cushioned component of FIG. 3taken at line IV;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the seat assembly of FIG. 2 taken atline V;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cushioned component removed fromthe seating assembly; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cushioned component removed fromthe seating assembly and having an air pressure release valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure aredisclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodiedin various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to adetailed design; some schematics may be exaggerated or minimized to showfunction overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the concepts as oriented in FIG. 1 . However, itis to be understood that the concepts may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations ofmethod steps and apparatus components related to a seat_assembly.Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have beenrepresented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings,showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understandingthe embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure thedisclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent likeelements.

As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or moreitems, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself,or any combination of two or more of the listed items, can be employed.For example, if a composition is described as containing components A,B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; Aand B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; orA, B, and C in combination.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top andbottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity oraction from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities oractions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, withoutmore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes,formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics arenot and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger orsmaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, roundingoff, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those ofskill in the art. When the term “about” is used in describing a value oran end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to includethe specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numericalvalue or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” thenumerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include twoembodiments: one modified by “about,” and one not modified by “about.”It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the rangesare significant both in relation to the other end-point, andindependently of the other end-point.

The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof as usedherein are intended to note that a described feature is equal orapproximately equal to a value or description. For example, a“substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that isplanar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended todenote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In someembodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of eachother, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of eachother.

As used herein the terms “the,” “a,” or “an,” mean “at least one,” andshould not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated to thecontrary. Thus, for example, reference to “a component” includesembodiments having two or more such components unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a seat assembly 10 is shown disposed within avehicle interior 12A of a vehicle 12. Specifically, the seat assembly 10is disposed within the vehicle interior 12A adjacent to an instrumentpanel or dashboard 13. In FIG. 1 , the seat assembly 10 is positioned ina driver's side seating area. However, it is contemplated that the seatassembly 10, or various components and features thereof, can be disposedin other seat assemblies positioned in other areas of a vehicle interior12A, such as the passenger side seating area, a rear seating area, or athird row seating option. The seat assembly 10 is supported on a tracksystem 14 disposed on a vehicle floor support surface 15, and generallyincludes a substantially horizontal seat portion 16 and a substantiallyupright seatback 18. It is contemplated that the seatback 18 is apivoting member configured for pivotal movement relative to the seatportion 16 between upright and reclined positions. The seat portion 16generally includes a central support portion 16C having protruding finsor side bolsters 16A, 16B disposed on opposite sides thereof. The sidebolsters 16A, 16B are generally disposed at an inward angle directedtowards the central support portion 16C. The side bolsters 16A, 16B ofthe seat portion 16 are configured to provide support for a vehicleoccupant as seated in the seat assembly 10 when the vehicle 12 is inmotion. Similarly, the seatback 18 includes side bolsters 18A, 18B and acentral support portion 18C. The side bolsters 18A, 18B of the seatback18 are generally angled towards the central support portion 18C of theseatback 18.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , the various parts of the seat portion 16 andthe seatback 18 are covered with seat covers 23, 22, respectively. Theseat covers 23, 22 may be comprised of a suitable natural or syntheticmaterial, such as leather, imitation leather, vinyl, clothe, or anycombination thereof, that generally covers cushion materials and framecomponents of the seat assembly 10. The seatback 18 includes a cushionedcomponent 30 that at least partially defines the central support portion18C of the seatback 18. Similarly, the seat portion 16 includes acushioned component 32 that at least partially defines the centralsupport portion 16C of the seat portion 16. An air bladder assembly 60is shown disposed within each of the side bolsters 16A and 16B of theseat portion 16, as well as each of the side bolsters 18A and 18B of theseatback 18. In FIG. 2 , the seat cover 23 of the seat portion 16 coversand conceals an interior 28 of the seat portion 16.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , the cushioned component 32 of the seat portion16 is shown removed from the seat assembly 10 of FIG. 2 . The cushionedcomponent 32 includes a lattice matrix 40 which provides the cushioningsupport for a seat occupant seated in the seat assembly 10 (FIG. 2 ).

As used herein, the term “lattice matrix” refers to a structural patternof interconnected links that define cells or voids therebetween, whereinthe overall pattern resembles an expanded material configuration. Thecushioned components discussed herein are contemplated to be comprisedof a single material used in an additive manufacturing process to formthe lattice matrices thereof into monolithic structures. In this way,the cushioned components of the present concept include fully integratedcomponent parts comprised of a common material that define overallmonolithic structures. As used herein, the term “integrated” refers tocomponent parts of a unitary whole that are formed together to providethe monolithic structure of the overall article. In this way, the term“integrated” is used herein to describe component parts that are formedtogether is a unitary whole, as opposed to components that areseparately formed and later operably coupled to one another in assembly.As used herein, the term “monolithic structure” is used to describe astructure that is integrally formed in a forming process, such as anadditive manufacturing technique. Additive manufacturing techniquescontemplated for use with the present concept may include 3D printing,laser sintering and other known additive manufacturing techniques. Inthis way, the monolithic structures of the present concept provideunitary structures comprised of multiple configurations and features. Itis noted that the monolithic structures of the present concept mayinclude of a single or common material used in the additive manufactureof the structure.

As further shown in FIG. 3 , an air bladder assembly 60 is showndisposed within the lattice matrix 40. The air bladder assembly 60 iscontemplated to include a plurality of air bladders 160 supported on aplatform assembly 42. Each air bladder 160 is operable between deflatedand inflated conditions. In this way, a seat occupant can adjust anoverall comfort setting of the seat portion 16 of the seat assembly 10,as shown in FIG. 2 . The air bladder assembly 60 is contemplated to bean integrated component of the lattice matrix 40, in that the airbladder assembly 60 and the lattice matrix 40 are contemplated to becomprised of a common material used in an additive manufacturing processto create a monolithic structure in the form of the cushioned component32. As such, it is contemplated that the cushioned component 32,including the lattice matrix 40 and the air bladder assembly 60 thereof,may be created using a single additive manufacturing process, such as a3D printing process to create a monolithic 3D printed part comprised ofa common material throughout.

As further shown in FIG. 4 , the air bladder assembly 60 is showndisposed within the lattice matrix 40. Each air bladder 160 of theplurality of air bladders 160 includes a body portion 44 positioned onan outer surface 46 of the platform assembly 42. Each air bladder 160 ofthe plurality of air bladders 160 includes an outer casing 62. The outercasing 62 is contemplated to be an airtight, non-porous outer casingsurrounding an interior cavity 63 of each air bladder 160 of theplurality of air bladders 160. As noted above, the air bladder assembly60 is contemplated to be an integrated component of the lattice matrix40 comprised of a common material. Specifically, the outer casing 62 iscontemplated to be covered by and integrated with the lattice matrix 40,as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4 . In this way, the lattice matrix40 fully surrounds the air bladder assembly 60. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 4 , it is contemplated that each air bladder 160 of theplurality of air bladders 160 is shown in a partially inflatedcondition, wherein the interior cavity 63 of each air bladder 160 of theplurality of air bladders 160 contains a volume of an inflation mediumprovided via a supply line 68 disposed through the lattice matrix 40. Itis contemplated that the plurality of air bladders 160 are operablebetween inflated and deflated conditions, and any partially inflatedconditions therebetween, by an inflation module 48 operably coupled tothe supply line 68 to provide an inflation medium to the plurality ofair bladders 160. While the plurality of air bladders 160 are describedherein as a plurality of “air” bladders, it is contemplated that theplurality of air bladders 160 may be filled with an inflation mediumother than air, such as a fluid. It is also contemplated that theplurality of air bladders 160 may be filled with air, or other gas,using a pneumatic activation system connected to the supply line 68.Each air bladder 160 of the plurality of air bladders 160 includes aconnection stem 50. The connection stem 50 is contemplated to comprise asnap linkage 52. The connection stem 50 allows for fluid communicationbetween the air bladder assembly 60 and the supply line 68. Theconnection stem 50 includes a fluid path 54. The supply line 68 iscoupled with the connection stem 50 of each air bladder 160 of theplurality of air bladders 160 and the inflation module 48. The inflationmodule 48 may be disposed within the seat assembly 10.

With further reference to FIG. 4 , the seat portion 16 includes asupport plate 56. The support plate 56 is contemplated to be comprisedof a common material with respect to the air bladder assembly 60. Thesupport plate 56 may be airtight, as well as non-porous. The supportplate 56 is contemplated to be flexibly resilient. The support plate 56has a plurality of access apertures 58 disposed therethrough. Accessapertures 58 of the plurality of access apertures are aligned with theair bladders 160 of the plurality of air bladders 160. The connectionstem 50 of an associated air bladder 160 is received through anassociated access aperture 58 of the support plate 56, such that eachair bladder 160 of the plurality of air bladders 160 is coupled to thesupport plate 56.

As further shown in FIG. 4 , the seat portion 16 includes a carrierassembly 80. The carrier assembly 80 includes an outer surface 82. Theouter surface 82 of the carrier assembly 80 includes a plurality ofmounting apertures 84 disposed therethrough. The outer surface 82 of thecarrier assembly 80 is further contemplated to be a contoured surface.It is contemplated that the support plate 56 includes a complementaryconfiguration relative to the contoured surface of the outer surface 82of the carrier assembly 80. Each mounting aperture 84 of the pluralityof mounting apertures 84 of the carrier assembly 80 receives anassociated connection stem 50 of an associated air bladder 160 to coupleto the air bladder assembly 60 and the support plate 56 with the carrierassembly 80. It is contemplated that the support plate 56 is positivelycaptured or sandwiched between the air bladder assembly 60 and thecarrier assembly 80. Each connection stem 50 includes an axis 86. Whilethe air bladder assembly 60, the support plate 56, and the carrierassembly 80 are coupled together by multiple connection stems 50, theair bladder assembly 60, support plate 56, and carrier assembly 80 areretained in a stacked configuration along an axial direction of theconnection stem 50.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , a seat occupant 90 is shown supported on theseat assembly 10. The vehicle hip pivot point, commonly referred to inthe automotive industry as “H-point”, is a specified location of the hipof the seat occupant 90, when seated in the seat assembly 10. In FIG. 5, the H-point is shown at reference numeral 92. The H-point 92 isgenerally defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) as amechanically hinged hip point of a three-dimensional manikin (SAE 12826manikin), which simulates the actual pivot center of a human hip. Asnoted above, the air bladders 160, 160 are contemplated to be operablebetween inflated or pressurized conditions and deflated or depressurizedconditions without affecting the H-point setting. In FIG. 5 , theH-point 92 of the seat occupant 90 is aligned with an H-point of theseat assembly 10, such that H-point 92 identifies the H-point for boththe seat occupant 90 and the seat assembly 10. This alignment is aidedand maintained by the integration of the air bladders 160, 160 into therespective cushioned components 32, 30, as opposed to a plurality ofcomponents stacked-up on one another.

As further shown in FIG. 5 , the seat assembly 10 also includes theflexible non porous air bladder assembly 60 disposed within thecushioned component 30 of the seatback 18. The air bladder assembly 60of the seatback 18 is also contemplated to be integrated with thecushioned component 30 of the seatback 18 using an additivemanufacturing technique. As such, it is contemplated that the cushionedcomponent 30 of the seat back 18 includes a lattice matrix 40 whichprovides the cushioning support for a seat occupant 90 seated in theseat assembly 10. The air bladder assembly 60, as shown in the seatback18 in FIG. 5 , is completely surrounded by the lattice matrix 40. Acontact surface 33 of the seat portion 16 that is intended to contactthe occupant 90 does not deform or otherwise change a topography of theseat portion 16 due to the air bladder assembly 60 inflating anddeflating. A contact surface 31 of the seatback 18 that is intended tocontact the occupant 90 does not deform or otherwise change a topographyof the seatback 18 due to the air bladder assembly 60 inflating anddeflating. In other words, a total volume of the seating assembly 10remains constant between at-rest and pressurized conditions of the airbladder assemblies 60. A supply line 68A is shown coupled to the airbladders 160 of the air bladder assembly 60 within the seatback 18 forsupplying an inflation medium to the air bladder assembly 60.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , the lattice matrix 40 is defined by a pattern70 of interconnected links 72 which define a set of cells 74. The cells74 generally define voids within the lattice matrix 40 as defined inshape and size by the pattern 70 of interconnected links 72. The spacesor voids defined by the cells 74 of the lattice matrix 40 allow thelattice matrix 40 to deflect or deform under an applied pressure orforce of a seated seat occupant. Thus, the interconnected links 72 areinterconnected with one another, yet spaced-apart from one another todefine the cells 74 into which the interconnected links 72 can deform ordeflect into. In this way, the lattice matrix 40 is a deflectablelattice matrix.

As used herein, the term “deflectable” refers to a component that isconsidered cushioning, such that the component is compressible whenunder pressure from an applied force. The term “deflectable” is alsoused herein to describe a component part that is flexibly resilient. Inthis way, a deflectable component part is contemplated to a be a partthat can be compressed from an at-rest condition to a compressedcondition under a compression force, and is further contemplated toresiliently return to the at-rest condition from the compressedcondition after the compression force is removed. Thus, a deflectablelattice matrix described herein acts as a cushioning component of a seatassembly that can support a seat occupant in a compressed condition andreturn to an at-rest condition when the seat occupant is removed fromthe seat assembly.

As further shown in FIG. 6 , the cushioned component 32 of the seatportion 16 is contemplated to include a first profile 120 that allowsthe cushioned component 32 of the seat portion 16 to nest with adjacentcushioned components 32 within the seat portion 16. It is contemplatedthat the cushioned component 32 of the seat portion 16 includes a secondprofile 122 that allows the cushioned component 32 of the seat portion16 to interface with the seat assembly 10. The cushioned component 30 ofthe seatback 18 is contemplated to include a first profile 124 thatallows the cushioned component 30 of the seatback 18 to nest withadjacent cushioned components 30 within the seatback 18. It iscontemplated that the cushioned component 30 of the seatback 18 includesa second profile 126 that allows the cushioned component 30 of theseatback 18 to interface with the seat assembly 10 or an adjacentcushioned component.

As further shown in FIG. 6 , each air bladder 160 of a first and secondair bladders 160 includes a distal portion 128 and a proximal portion130 in fluid communication with the distal portion 128. The distalportion 128 is positioned on an outer surface 46 of the platformassembly 42. The proximal portion 130 is positioned on an inner surface132 of the platform assembly 42. It is contemplated, as shown in FIG. 6, that the connection stem 50 outwardly extends from the proximalportion 130. It is contemplated that the support plate 56 seals each airbladder 160 of the first and second air bladders 160. It is contemplatedthat a cushioning effect of the air bladder assembly 60 is dependentupon the inflated or pressurized condition of the air bladder assembly60, such that the air bladder assembly 60 provides more support while ina pressurized condition.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , it is contemplated that each air bladder 160includes an air pressure release valve 140. The air pressure releasevalve 140 is operable between an open condition and a closed condition.The open condition occurs while a pressure within the air bladder 160 isgreater than a threshold pressure. It is contemplated that the thresholdpressure is predetermined by at least one of a manufacturer and theoccupant 90. The air pressure release valve 140 is operable in theclosed condition while the pressure within the air bladder 160 is lessthan the threshold pressure. The air bladder 160 is contemplated toinclude a pressure sensor 142. The pressure sensor 142, upon sensing apressure decrease due to the air pressure release valve 140 releasingair, is contemplated to signal the inflation module 48 to send airtoward the air bladder 160 via the supply line 68. The pressure sensor142 is contemplated to signal the inflation module 48 to stop sendingair toward the air bladder 160 upon the pressure within the air bladder160 reaching an intermediate pressure level determined by at least oneof the manufacturer and the occupant 90.

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a seat assembly10, comprises a cushioned component 16 having a lattice matrix 40; anair bladder assembly 60 covered by the lattice matrix 40, wherein theair bladder assembly 60 includes a plurality of air bladders 160supported on a platform assembly 42, wherein each air bladder 160 of theplurality of air bladders 160 includes a body portion 44 positioned onan outer surface 46 of the platform assembly 42 and operable betweendeflated and inflated conditions, and further wherein each air bladder160 of the plurality of air bladders 160 includes a connection stem 50outwardly extending from an inner surface 132 of the platform assembly42; a support plate 56 having a plurality of access apertures 58disposed therethrough, wherein the air bladder assembly 60 is operablycoupled to the support plate 56, such that each air bladder 160 of theplurality of air bladders 160 is aligned with at least one accessaperture 58 of the plurality of access apertures 58; and a carrierassembly 80 having a plurality of mounting apertures 84 disposed throughan outer surface 82 thereof, wherein the connection stem 50 of each airbladder 160 is received through at least one mounting aperture 84 of theplurality of mounting apertures 84 of the carrier assembly 80.

Embodiments of the various aspects may include the outer surface 82 ofthe carrier assembly 80 being a contoured surface. Embodiments alsoinclude the support plate 56 being a flexibly resilient plate thatincludes a complementary configuration relative to the contoured surfaceof the carrier assembly 80. Embodiments also include the connection stem50 of each air bladder 160 is received through at least one accessaperture 58 of the plurality of access apertures 58 of the support plate56. Embodiments also include each air bladder 160 of the plurality ofair bladders 160 includes a non-porous outer casing 62 surrounding aninterior cavity 63, further wherein the outer casing 62 and the latticematrix 40 are integrated components comprised of a common material todefine a monolithic structure.

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a seat assembly10 comprises a cushioned component 16 and a cushioned component 18 eachhaving a lattice matrix 40; and an air bladder assembly 60 integratedinto the lattice matrix 40, wherein the air bladder assembly 60 includesfirst and second air bladders 160 that are spaced-apart from one anotherand operable between at-rest and pressurized conditions, and furtherwherein the first and second air bladders 160 each include a non-porousouter casing 62 surrounding an interior cavity, wherein the outer casing62 and the lattice matrix 40 are integrated components comprised of acommon material to define a monolithic structure.

Embodiments of these aspects may include a support plate 56 having firstand second access apertures 58 disposed therethrough, wherein thesupport plate 56 is flexibly resilient, and further wherein the firstand second air bladders 160 are operably coupled to the support plate56. Embodiments also include a carrier assembly 80 having first andsecond mounting apertures 84 disposed through an outer surface 82thereof, wherein the outer surface 82 of the carrier assembly 80 is acontoured surface, and further wherein the support plate 56 includes acomplementary configuration relative to the contoured surface of theouter surface 82 of the carrier assembly 80. Embodiments also includethe air bladder assembly 60 having a platform assembly 42 having anouter surface 46, wherein the first and second air bladders 160 eachinclude a body portion 44 positioned on the outer surface 46 of theplatform assembly 42. Embodiments also include the first and second airbladders 160 including first and second connection stems 50,respectively, outwardly extending from an inner surface 132 of theplatform assembly 42. Embodiments also include an inflation module 48operably coupled to the first and second connection stems 50 of thefirst and second air bladders 160, such that the air bladder assembly 60is fluidically coupled to the inflation module 48 by one or more supplylines 68. Embodiments also include the first and second connection stems50 being received through the first and second access apertures 58 ofthe support plate 56. Embodiments also include the first and secondconnection stems 50 are received through the first and second mountingapertures 84 of the carrier assembly 80.

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a seat assembly10 comprises a cushioned component 16 and a cushioned component 18 eachhaving a lattice matrix 40; an air bladder 160 having a distal portion128 and a proximal portion 130 in fluid communication with the distalportion 128, wherein the proximal portion 130 includes a connection stem50 outwardly extending therefrom, and further wherein an outermostsurface of the distal portion 128 is covered by the lattice matrix 40,and further wherein the air bladder 160 is operable between at-rest andpressurized conditions; a support plate 56 having an access aperture 58disposed therethrough, wherein the support plate 56 is flexiblyresilient, and further wherein the air bladder 160 is operably coupledto the support plate 56, such that the connection stem 50 thereof isreceived through the access aperture 58; and a carrier assembly 80having a mounting aperture 84 disposed through an outer surface 82thereof, wherein the connection stem 50 is received through the mountingaperture 84, and further wherein the outer surface 82 of the carrierassembly 80 is a contoured surface, and further wherein the supportplate 56 includes a complementary configuration relative to thecontoured surface.

Embodiments include the air bladder 160 including a platform assembly 42having inner 132 and outer surfaces 46, and further wherein the distalportion 128 of the air bladder 160 is positioned on the outer surface 46of the platform assembly 42, and further wherein the proximal portion130 of the air bladder 160 is positioned on the inner surface 128 of theplatform assembly 42. Embodiments also include the air bladder 160having a non-porous outer casing 62 surrounding an interior cavity 63.Embodiments also include the outer casing 62 and the lattice matrix 40being integrated components comprised of a common material to define amonolithic structure. Embodiments also include the connection stem 50including a snap linkage 52, and further wherein the snap linkage 52retains the air bladder 160, the support plate 56, and the carrierassembly 80 in a position along an axial direction of the connectionstem 50. Embodiments also include the support plate 56 is disposedbetween the air bladder 160 and the carrier assembly 80. Embodimentsalso include an inflation module 48 operably coupled to the connectionstem 50 of the air bladder 160 by at least one supply line 68.

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a seat assembly10, comprises a cushioned component 16 and a cushioned component 18 eachhaving a lattice matrix 40; an air bladder assembly 60 covered by thelattice matrix 40, wherein the air bladder assembly 60 includes aplurality of air bladders 160 supported on a platform assembly 42,wherein each air bladder of the plurality of air bladders 160 includes abody portion 44 positioned on an outer surface 46 of the platformassembly 42 and operable between deflated and inflated conditions,wherein each air bladder 160 of the plurality of air bladders 160includes a connection stem 50 outwardly extending from an inner surface132 of the platform assembly 42, and further wherein each air bladder160 of the plurality of air bladders 160 includes a pressure releasevalve 140; a support plate 56 having a plurality of access apertures 58disposed therethrough, wherein the air bladder assembly 60 is operablycoupled to the support plate 56, such that each air bladder 160 of theplurality of air bladders 160 is aligned with at least one accessaperture 58 of the plurality of access apertures 58; and a carrierassembly 80 having a mounting aperture 84 disposed through an outersurface 82 thereof, wherein the connection stem 50 is received throughthe mounting aperture 84. Embodiments include an air within at least oneair bladders 160 of the plurality of air bladders 160 releases throughthe pressure release valve 140 upon reaching a threshold pressure withinthe at least one air bladder 160 of the plurality of air bladders 160.Embodiments also include each air bladder 160 of the plurality of airbladders 160 release air through the pressure release valve 140 until aninternal pressure of the plurality of air bladders 160 is below athreshold pressure.

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a seat assembly10 comprises a cushioned component 16 and a cushioned component 18 eachhaving a lattice matrix 40; and an air bladder assembly 60 integratedinto the lattice matrix 40, wherein the air bladder assembly 60 includesfirst and second air bladders 160 that are spaced-apart from one anotherand operable between at-rest and pressurized conditions, and furtherwherein the first and second air bladders 160 each include a non-porousouter casing 62 surrounding an interior cavity 63, wherein the outercasing 62 and the lattice matrix 40 are integrated components comprisedof a common material to define a monolithic structure, and furtherwherein the first and second air bladders 160 each include a valve 140.Embodiments include the valve 140 of each of the first and second airbladders 160 releases air from within the first and second air bladders160 while pressures within the first and second air bladders 160 aremore than threshold pressures. Embodiments also include the valve 140being operable between at least two conditions: an open condition,wherein air is released from inside the first and second air bladders160, and further wherein the valve 140 is in the open condition when apressure level inside the first and second air bladders 160 exceeds apredetermined pressure level threshold; and; and a closed condition,wherein the valve 140 is in the closed condition when the pressure levelinside the first and second air bladders 160 is less than thepredetermined pressure level threshold. Embodiments also include thefirst and second air bladders 160 including a pressure sensor 142,wherein the pressure sensor 142 signals the inflation module 48 to sendair to the first and second air bladders 160.

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a seat assembly10 comprises a cushioned component 16 and a cushioned component 18 eachhaving a lattice matrix 40; an air bladder 160 having a distal portion128 and a proximal portion 130 in fluid communication with the distalportion 128, wherein the proximal portion 130 includes a connection stem50 outwardly extending therefrom, wherein the air bladder 160 includesan air release valve 140, and further wherein an outermost surface ofthe distal portion 128 is covered by the lattice matrix 40, and furtherwherein the air bladder 160 is operable between at-rest and pressurizedconditions; a support plate 56 having an access aperture 58 disposedtherethrough, wherein the support plate 56 is flexibly resilient, andfurther wherein the air bladder 160 is operably coupled to the supportplate 56, such that the connection stem 50 thereof is received throughthe access aperture 58; and a carrier assembly 80 having a mountingaperture 84 disposed through an outer surface 82 thereof, wherein theconnection stem 50 is received through the mounting aperture 84, andfurther wherein the outer surface 82 of the carrier assembly 80 is acontoured surface, and further wherein the support plate 56 includes acomplementary configuration relative to the contoured surface.Embodiments include the air release valve 140 releases air from withinthe air bladder 160 while a pressure level within the air bladder 160exceeds a threshold pressure level, and further wherein the air releasevalve 140 is in a closed condition when the pressure within the airbladder 160 is less than the threshold pressure level. Embodiments alsoinclude the air bladder 160 include a pressure sensor 142, pressuresensor 142 signals the inflation module 48 to send air to the airbladder 160 after the air release valve 140 releases air.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seat assembly, comprising: a cushionedcomponent having a lattice matrix; an air bladder assembly covered bythe lattice matrix, wherein the air bladder assembly includes aplurality of air bladders supported on a platform assembly, wherein eachair bladder of the plurality of air bladders includes a body portionpositioned on an outer surface of the platform assembly and operablebetween deflated and inflated conditions, wherein each air bladder ofthe plurality of air bladders includes a connection stem outwardlyextending from an inner surface of the platform assembly, and furtherwherein each air bladder of the plurality of air bladders includes apressure release valve in fluid communication with the body portion; asupport plate having a plurality of access apertures disposedtherethrough, wherein the air bladder assembly is operably coupled tothe support plate, such that each air bladder of the plurality of airbladders is aligned with at least one access aperture of the pluralityof access apertures; and a carrier assembly having a mounting aperturedisposed through an outer surface thereof, wherein the connection stemis received through the mounting aperture.
 2. The seat assembly of claim1, wherein the outer surface of the carrier assembly is a contouredsurface.
 3. The seat assembly of claim 2, wherein the support plate is aflexibly resilient plate that includes a complementary configurationrelative to the contoured surface of the carrier assembly.
 4. The seatassembly of claim 1, wherein air within at least one air bladder of theplurality of air bladders releases through the pressure release valveupon reaching a threshold pressure within the at least one air bladderof the plurality of air bladders.
 5. The seat assembly of claim 1,wherein each air bladder of the plurality of air bladders releases airthrough the pressure release valve until an internal pressure level ofthe plurality of air bladders is below a threshold pressure.
 6. A seatassembly, comprising: a cushioned component having a lattice matrix; andan air bladder assembly integrated into the lattice matrix, wherein theair bladder assembly includes first and second air bladders that arespaced-apart from one another and operable between at-rest andpressurized conditions, and further wherein the first and second airbladders each include a non-porous outer casing surrounding an interiorcavity, wherein the outer casing and the lattice matrix are integratedcomponents comprised of a common material to define a monolithicstructure, wherein the first and second air bladders each include avalve, and further wherein the valve of each of the first and second airbladders releases air from within the first and second air bladderswhile pressures within the first and second air bladders are more thanthreshold pressures.
 7. The seat assembly of claim 6, including: asupport plate having an access aperture disposed therethrough, whereinthe support plate is flexibly resilient, and further wherein the firstand second air bladders are operably coupled to the support plate. 8.The seat assembly of claim 7, including: a carrier assembly having amounting aperture disposed through an outer surface thereof, wherein theouter surface of the carrier assembly is a contoured surface, andfurther wherein the support plate includes a complementary configurationrelative to the contoured surface.
 9. The seat assembly of claim 6,wherein each of the first and second air bladders includes a connectionstem outwardly extending from an inner surface of a platform assembly.10. The seat assembly of claim 9, including: an inflation moduleoperably coupled to the connection stem, such that the air bladderassembly is fluidically coupled to the inflation module by one or moresupply lines.
 11. The seat assembly of claim 10, wherein the valve isoperable between at least two conditions: an open condition, wherein airis released from inside the first and second air bladders, and furtherwherein the valve is in the open condition when a pressure level insidethe first and second air bladders exceeds a predetermined pressure levelthreshold; and a closed condition, wherein the valve is in the closedcondition when the pressure level inside the first and second airbladders is less than the predetermined pressure level threshold. 12.The seat assembly of claim 11, wherein the first and second air bladderseach include: a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor signals theinflation module to send air to the first and second air bladders.
 13. Aseat assembly, comprising: a cushioned component having a latticematrix; an air bladder having a distal portion and a proximal portion influid communication with the distal portion, wherein the proximalportion includes a connection stem outwardly extending therefrom,wherein the air bladder includes a release valve, and further wherein anoutermost surface of the distal portion is covered by the latticematrix, and further wherein the air bladder is operable between at-restand pressurized conditions; a support plate having an access aperturedisposed therethrough, wherein the support plate is flexibly resilient,and further wherein the air bladder is operably coupled to the supportplate, such that the connection stem thereof is received through theaccess aperture; and a carrier assembly having a mounting aperturedisposed through an outer surface thereof, wherein the connection stemis received through the mounting aperture, and further wherein the outersurface of the carrier assembly is a contoured surface, and furtherwherein the support plate includes a complementary configurationrelative to the contoured surface.
 14. The seat assembly of claim 13,wherein the air bladder includes a platform assembly, and furtherwherein the distal portion of the air bladder is positioned on an outersurface of the platform assembly, and even further wherein the proximalportion is positioned on an inner surface of the platform assembly. 15.The seat assembly of claim 13, wherein the air bladder includes anon-porous outer casing surrounding an interior cavity.
 16. The seatassembly of claim 13, wherein the release valve releases air from withinthe air bladder while a pressure level within the air bladder exceeds athreshold pressure level, and further wherein the release valve is in aclosed condition when the pressure within the air bladder is less thanthe threshold pressure level.
 17. The seat assembly of claim 16,including: an inflation module operably coupled to the connection stemby at least one supply line.
 18. The seat assembly of claim 13, whereinthe support plate is disposed between the air bladder and the carrierassembly.
 19. The seat assembly of claim 17, wherein the air bladderincludes a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor signals theinflation module to send air to the air bladder after the release valvereleases air.